Search Climate Insights Directory

This research paper by Robert Howse analyzes the current state of the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement system following the blockage of the Appellate Body by the Trump administration. Howse argues that despite the absence of a functioning Appellate Body, the system remains resilient as panels continue to follow established jurisprudence, and some members are experimenting with ad hoc arbitration mechanisms like the MPIA.

This research paper by Pierre Sauvé argues for the modernization of industrial policy to center on the services economy. The author contends that while current industrial policies remain rooted in 20th-century manufacturing paradigms, services now drive global innovation, productivity, and competitiveness, acting as essential inputs for all economic sectors.

This report argues that National Oil Companies (NOCs) are critical to the success of the energy transition due to their massive production and reserve shares, and urges investors to leverage their financial exposure to push these companies toward decarbonization.

This briefing analyzes the potential impact of the OECD and G20 Inclusive Framework's global tax reforms—specifically Pillar One and Pillar Two—on resource-rich developing countries and the mining sector. While some extractive industries are excluded from certain new taxing rights, the document warns that other elements of the reform could undermine national sovereignty and the ability of developing nations to collect revenue from their natural resources.

This briefing by Aaron Cosbey of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) proposes a set of principles and best practices to guide the design and implementation of Border Carbon Adjustments (BCA). The author argues that as countries increase climate ambition and carbon pricing, BCAs are becoming necessary to prevent 'carbon leakage'—the relocation of emissions to countries with less stringent policies—while warning that such mechanisms must avoid becoming tools for protectionism.

This research paper by Pierre Sauvé argues for a paradigm shift in industrial policy, moving from a traditional focus on manufacturing to one that prioritizes the services economy. The author contends that services are no longer merely residual activities but are essential inputs that drive productivity, innovation, and competitiveness across all economic sectors, including agriculture and manufacturing.

This briefing analyzes the agricultural negotiations for the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), focusing on food security, domestic support, and the specific needs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). It argues that success depends on moving beyond non-binding declarations toward binding commitments to regulate food and agricultural trade.

This research paper by Kitrhona Cerri and Maria Mexi examines the evolution of industrial policy in the digital age, using Kenya as a primary case study. The authors argue that traditional industrial policy, once focused on factories and physical goods, must now shift toward the governance of digital infrastructures, algorithms, and data to avoid reproducing structural dependencies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

This guide by the International Institute for Sustainable Development provides an overview of the negotiations for an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, which were initiated following a March 2022 United Nations Environment Assembly resolution.

This research paper by Colette van der Ven argues that African nations must proactively integrate circular economy principles into their clothing and textile industries to achieve sustainable industrialization (SDG 9) and sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12). The author highlights opportunities in sustainable input production, green manufacturing, and the repurposing of second-hand clothing imports to drive economic transformation and maintain competitiveness, particularly in the European Union market.

This briefing by Thiru Balasubramaniam of Knowledge Ecology International examines the stalled negotiations within the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding a waiver of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) to improve global access to COVID-19 health technologies ahead of the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12).

A fact sheet by the International Institute for Sustainable Development detailing the challenges of electricity access, service quality, and financial sustainability of distribution companies in Uttar Pradesh, India.

This fact sheet outlines a blueprint for a fossil-free recovery, arguing that G20 governments should stop funding fossil fuel production and instead use revenues from subsidy reforms and taxes—potentially USD 553 billion annually—to fund clean energy, energy efficiency, and universal energy access. It emphasizes the need for private investment in clean electricity and a just transition involving workers, employers, and governments.

The report summarizes the Advancing Natural Infrastructure Forum 2024, held in Calgary, Alberta, on February 21–22, 2024. Co-hosted by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the Natural Assets Initiative (NAI), and WaterSMART Solutions, the event brought together 106 participants to discuss the implementation, funding, and scaling of natural infrastructure across the Canadian Prairies to address water management and climate resilience.

This fact sheet describes the advisory and capacity development services provided by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) to help low- and middle-income governments and regional bodies establish legal and policy frameworks for responsible private sector investment in agriculture.

This report analyzes the Zambian livestock sector, identifying that rising food prices are driven by high fuel and feed costs, disease outbreaks, and poor infrastructure. It highlights a significant gap between agricultural potential and actual land/water utilization, and critiques the implementation of the National Agriculture Policy and the Fertilizer Support Programme.

This briefing note by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) argues that financing strategies for climate change adaptation in developing countries must be aligned with broader national development plans and other international financing frameworks to avoid fragmentation and maximize resource mobilization.

A fact sheet detailing the demand for eco-certified fish in the United States, specifically focusing on the market for fish from Manitoba and the preferences of younger American consumers.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) analyzes the outcomes of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP 17) to the UNFCCC held in Durban, South Africa, in 2011. It evaluates the progress made toward a binding global climate agreement, the operationalization of financing and adaptation mechanisms, and the remaining gaps in mitigation ambition.

This background paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the international arbitration case of Vattenfall v. Germany. It analyzes how the Swedish energy utility Vattenfall used the Energy Charter Treaty to challenge German environmental restrictions on a coal-fired power plant, highlighting the tension between international investment protections and a state's ability to regulate for the environment.